Why Jobs & Economy Matter:Utahns’ Values

In 2014, Envision Utah conducted a statewide values study to identify (1) what factors Utahns view as affecting their quality of life the most and (2) the underlying emotions and values of those factors.

Utahns want a strong economy that allows them and their children to earn a good living and that helps create a secure, self-sufficient, and prosperous state. Although Utahns care about what a strong economy can do for them personally, they place even greater value on the benefits it offers to their communities and to the state as a whole. To strengthen the economy and create more jobs, Utahns value economic development strategies that attract businesses to the state. They believe having a strong economy will result in safer neighborhoods and community improvements like better parks, trails, and schools, as well as attractive yards and houses. This leads in turn to a stronger sense of community and security. Though Utahns most value this sense of community, they also value having higher wages that allow them to save more money and better provide for themselves and their families. In addition, with a strong economy, Utahns’ children can choose to stay close to home because jobs are more likely to be available where they want to live. Utahns also believe that earning more money will allow them to experience less stress and have a higher quality of life, which will lead to a sense of enjoyment, security, and freedom.